Sip 'N' Shop and help the animals

Sip 'N' Shop will be different from the walking tours of the past, as it will be all under one roof.

Special to The Sun

By DEBORAH WHEELER

Published: Thursday, March 27, 2014 at 05:09 PM.

April 4 will be an exciting and fun afternoon for the ladies when they come together to Sip 'N' Shop.

This will be the fourth-annual Sip 'N' Shop, an event that coincides with the Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown.

The eighth-annual Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown is a star-studded three-day wine and golf event designed for fun and to raise money for charity at the same time. Since 2010 the event has raised more than $800,000 for Gulf coast non-profit organizations, with 100 percent of proceeds going to designated charities.

The Throwdown is a private party event founded by Sandestin's Michael and Valerie Thompson. But the off shoot golf tourney for men and Sip 'N' Shop event for women are open to the public.

Sip 'N' Shop takes place April 4 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Le Ciel Ballroom on Sandestin's bay side. The beneficiary of the event is Alaqua Animal Refuge. Last year's Sip 'N' Shop raised $37,000 for Alaqua, which was hugely exciting for the no-kill shelter, said Alaqua founder Laurie Hood.

Last year's lunch could only seat 45 people. But, this year, with Sandestin's offer of the use of the Le Ciel Ballroom, 150 tickets are available.

While the men are out golfing, women will be able to enjoy an exciting afternoon of shopping, and all under one roof.

April 4 will be an exciting and fun afternoon for the ladies when they come together to Sip 'N' Shop.

This will be the fourth-annual Sip 'N' Shop, an event that coincides with the Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown.

The eighth-annual Chi Chi Miguel Throwdown is a star-studded three-day wine and golf event designed for fun and to raise money for charity at the same time. Since 2010 the event has raised more than $800,000 for Gulf coast non-profit organizations, with 100 percent of proceeds going to designated charities.

The Throwdown is a private party event founded by Sandestin's Michael and Valerie Thompson. But the off shoot golf tourney for men and Sip 'N' Shop event for women are open to the public.

Sip 'N' Shop takes place April 4 beginning at 11 a.m. at the Le Ciel Ballroom on Sandestin's bay side. The beneficiary of the event is Alaqua Animal Refuge. Last year's Sip 'N' Shop raised $37,000 for Alaqua, which was hugely exciting for the no-kill shelter, said Alaqua founder Laurie Hood.

Last year's lunch could only seat 45 people. But, this year, with Sandestin's offer of the use of the Le Ciel Ballroom, 150 tickets are available.

While the men are out golfing, women will be able to enjoy an exciting afternoon of shopping, and all under one roof.

Attendees will be greeted by champagne on the deck, and can enjoy a special three-course lunch prepared by the chef.

There will be Botox, silent auctions, a fashion show for women and dogs, fashions by local-designer Nicole Paloma, artwork and demonstrations by former Walton County Artist of the Year Andy Saczynski, jewelry by Sarah Carolyn, chair massages, and bath and beauty products from Patchouli's. Silent auction items will include weekend getaways, and bikes.

While shopping, ladies can enjoy sampling wine from top-notch wineries such as Black Dog Cellars and Lola. The winemakers from these vineyards will be on hand pouring their wines and to tell you about them.

"This is a huge event for us," said Hood. "We are hoping to double the amount from last year. If we could get $70,000, it would be a tremendous help."

The average cost per month to run and operate Alaqua is $50,000.

"This all began as a result of our combined love of wine and the desire to give back," said Thompson, who chose Alaqua as the beneficiary because the Thompsons have adopted pets from Alaqua.

Tickets to Sip 'N' Shop are $150 and available online at www.chichimiguel.com, or www.alaquaanimalrefuge.org.